TAMPA -- Hillsborough County commissioners gave their final approval Wednesday for the purchase of new touch screen voting machines to replace the punch card system.

Commissioners had explored the possibility of leasing the equipment rather than purchasing it should the relatively new technology fail to live up to expectations. But their bid request failed to garner an offer that would have enabled them to ditch the machines at a cost savings if problems arise.

So commissioners voted 4-3 to spend about $12-million to purchase 3,100 voting machines from Sequoia Voting Systems.

The new machines should be in place for the September primary elections.

Collision at intersection kills Michigan man

BRANDON -- A Michigan man was killed Wednesday during a crash at the intersection of State Road 60 and St. Cloud Road, authorities said.

Annetta Fitch of Oscoda, Mich., was driving a 1999 Buick east on State Road 60 in the left turn lane, and was trying to turn onto St. Cloud Road, when she turned into the path of a Ford Van headed west, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The passenger in the Buick, Robert Fitch, died at the scene. His age was unavailable Wednesday.

Annetta Fitch was taken to Tampa General Hospital, as was the driver of the van, Hector Bello, 31, of 4714 N. Habana Ave., Tampa.

The crash is still under investigation.

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